Tissue expansion in the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

Treatment of giant facial congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is recommended due to the potential for malignant degeneration, although therapy may be complicated because of cosmetic and functional considerations and the results problematic. We present the case of a 2-year-old child with a giant CMN of the scalp, excision of which was facilitated by the use of a tissue expander. This technique allows the creation of skin similar in appearance and type to that immediately adjacent to the defect. The giant CMN, which covered approximately one third of the scalp, was excised and simultaneously resurfaced with the remaining expanded normal scalp.